The Baltic Sea Resort of Binz

Today the Baltic Sea Resort of Binz is the largest seaside resort on the Island of Ruegen, but in 1318 it was still a small fishing village called Byntze. Nestling among the rambling woods of the Schmalen Heide and Granitz, Binz lies on one of the most popular bays on the island, the Prorer Wiek, and serves as an example for a perfect balance between the conservation of historical buildings and the interests of the modern tourism industry. Strung like pearls in a row, the houses dating back to the age of sea resort architecture adorn the beach promenade for more than three kilometres. A stroll along the promenade in Binz takes you back in time and casts its spell on you.

In the west Binz is bounded by the Schmacher Lake; due to its geographical location it is sheltered from the wind and this, in combination with a beach covered in fine, white sand, the shallow waves and the almost stone-free seabed have contributed towards making Binz one of the most popular places for bathing on Germany’s biggest island.

As early as 1903, the guide book on Ruegen describes Binz as a previously unheard-of fishing village which had developed over a few years into one of the most frequented beach resorts thanks to its outstanding location and carries on ...”its wonderful position, completely sheltered from the harsh winds, the magnificent sandy beach, the beautiful woods as well as the mild climate are explanation enough for the increase in numbers of visitors. Furthermore, these guarantee that Binz will continue to grow and indeed, will one day be a world-famous resort.”